DIGITALEUROPE welcomes Parliament’s plenary adoption of the 700 MHz decision

DIGITALEUROPE welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of the 700 MHz decision. The approval during today’s vote in the Strasbourg plenary session brings the legislative procedure to an end and clears the path for the decision to be implemented. The compromise text, following discussions between Commission, Council and Parliament, aims to harmonise the use of the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) band in Europe.

The decision sets 2020 as the target date for the clearance of the 700 MHz frequency range and its availability for mobile communications. Member States can however grant up to an extra two years to the incumbent users for the transition, provided that this is for specific cases such as to allow cross-border coordination.

“This 700 MHz spectrum band is particularly important for 5G services, such as for connected cars. It is in Europe’s best interests that delays and divergence between member states are kept to the minimum,” stressed John Higgins, Director General of DIGITALEUROPE.

The decision also indicates that the member states should reserve the sub-700 MHz band for audio-visual media services and encourages a balanced approach between the mobile and traditional broadcast sectors. DIGITALEUROPE, in line with the input from the Lamy Report and the position of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, advocates in this context investigating a supplemental downlink solution.

“Coordination is key in spectrum policy. Co-existence between broadcast and mobile in the sub-700 MHz band, via supplemental downlink, can safeguard those services from interference issues while also ensuring a forwardlooking and balanced approach for those stakeholders,” said Mr Higgins.

DIGITALEUROPE is keen to work with the EU institutions and spectrum regulatory bodies to ensure an effective and timely implementation of the 700 MHz decision.